a message from the president – connie coggins in … · 2015. 4. 13. · volunteers are our...

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – Connie Coggins

From the President

• 2006 Employee & VolunteerRecognition Award Winners 2-4

• New Provider joins Madison AreaHealth Center 4

• Making a Difference in Belgrade 5

• HealthReach Spotlight: HRCHC FloatProvider Cherry Baker, FNP 6

• From the Clinical Side:Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu 8

• Health Centers implement newElectronic Practice Management System 9

• Health Tip: Hectic Holidays 10

• Staff News, Welcome,Farewell & Milestones 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGEPAID

WATERVILLE, MEPERMIT NO. 19

8 Highwood StreetP.O. Box 1568Waterville, ME 04903

Checking the pulse of your Community Health Centers

In remembrance of Past President Steve Walsh

S

HEALTH CENTERHEALTH CENTER

HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTS

2 HEALTH CENTER HIGHLIGHTS • November / December 2006

that we serve. He created an atmosphere of respect and teamwork- recognizing that our employees and volunteers are our greatest resources.

In 2005, Steve established our first Annual Employee and Volunteer Recognition Event which was dedicated to recognizing theefforts of our staff and volunteers to fulfill our mission of providing high quality, affordablehealthcare to over 36,000 Maineresidents annually.

Annual EventHeld Oct. 21

I am pleased to share that on Saturday, October 21, 2006,we had the opportunity to carry on Steve’s vision for the Annual

Event. Approximately 200 employees, guests, volunteersand community and governing board members of HealthReach Community Health Centers gatheredat the Augusta Civic Center to once again recognizeand celebrate the work of our eleven Health & Dental Centers.

Leonard Dow, Chair of the HRCHC Governing Board of Directors, spoke about his long association with the organization as a patient, and as both a community and governing boardmember. Dr. Brad Nieder, akathe “Healthy Humorist” delivereda very funny keynote messagereminding us that “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”

We were fortunate to

From the President, continued from front

continued on bottom of next page

Dr. Roy Miller, fromthe Sheepscot Valley Health Center was selected as our 2006 Provider of the Year. Dedicated, caring, compassionate and highly productive describe Dr.Miller, who has been employed

by HRCHC since 1980. An advocate for employees andpatients alike, Dr. Miller is committed to his HealthCenter, his community and HealthReach Community Health Centers. His leadership is evident through hisinvolvement with public policy, medical society work,and with our very own Provider Executive Committee.

Whether it is his involvement in the local school system or the Board of Directors for the Augusta Boysand Girls Club for Teens or the Board of the MaineImmunization Program, Dr. Miller is a tireless advocatefor his community and for HealthReach Community Health Centers.

Employees of the Richmond Area Health Center enjoyedthemselves at the Banquet Oct. 21st. Pictured from left areTom Bartol, NP, Shelley Hickey, FNP, Pam Lindvall, RN,Wayne Hickey, Christine Holzinger, RN, and husband Art.

Provider of the Year

Roy MillerySheepscot Valley Health Center

Ann Young, has been an indispensable team member at the Central Office for the past 11 years.She always exhibits the utmost professionalism,courtesy, and respectfulness.

Her role in the Central Office requires frequent contact with persons outside the organization – boardmembers, prospective providers, vendors, etc., who routinely comment that she is positive, professional,and extremely helpful. Ann handles highly sensitive

and confidential informationand demonstrates completediscretion in all of hercommunications.

Her coworkers concur that she is responsive, meets

her deadlines and strives to do the best job possible. She is truly an asset to us all at HealthReachCommunity Health Centers.

Administrative Support Person of the Year

Ann YounggHighwood Street Central Office

2006 Employee and Volunteer 2006 Employee and Volunteer Recognition Awards

3November / December 2006 • HEALTH CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

2006 Employee and Volunteer

partner in this annual celebration with many of our community volunteers. A key to the success of the community health center movement is patient involvement in health care delivery.These dedicated individuals from ourlocal community boards, our governing Board of Directors, and the VISTA program volunteer their time to support the delivery of high quality healthcare to their individual communities. It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity torecognize our volunteers along with our dedicated staff this year.

As I looked around the room and witnessed the camaraderie of people from various centers, laughingtogether, and sharing the significant accomplishments of our co-workers and volunteers, I felt a sense of pride to

be part of such a wonderful organization. At HealthReach, we genuinely strive to serve ourcommunities to the best of our abilities. I am blessed to be a part of an organization whererespect and caring are at the heart of who weare and what we do every day.

Finally, we are thankful to have had theopportunity to work with Steve and recognizehis legacy in establishing this annual event and for his leadership in positioning ourorganization to meet future challenges as we continue to fulfill our mission.

Sincerely

Constance Coggins

continued from bottom, page 2

Dr. Brad Nieder, a.k.a. “TheHealthy Humorist” delivered hismessage, that “Laughter is the Best Medicine”.

Recognition AwardsRecognition Awards

Lois Bouchard started working for us as a part-timereceptionist/bookkeeper in 1984! She was soon promoted to Office Coordinator andfinally to Practice Manager. Her nominators described her asboth a strong team leader and team player.

In terms of her people skills, Lois is a wonderful communicator: she knows how to listen and makes time for anyone in need. A fair, honest, and caring individual,she makes those around her feel valued.

Many of us have received her cards or phone callsof encouragement. A mentor for many, her advice is often sought by other Practice Mangers who trust herjudgment and experience. Co-workers agree that Lois makes her site a fun and stable place to work thanks toher well thought-out, judicious and constructive advice.

Always striving for professional growth aptly describes Ann Barnett. Professionally, she started as alab technician, and then became a medical assistant, and is now a Registered Nurse, working forHealthReach Community HealthCenters since 1993.

Ann’s nominators described her as a knowledgeable, dedicated, and pleasant individual. Her co-workers described her as a genuinely good personwho is always flexible, polite, and professional in her duties. Using her teaching skills, she works with the office staff to improve the site’s daily operation, andtrains others to help improve their performance as well.She encourages others to try new things and approach challenges with a positive attitude.

Ann continues to grow professionally throughmeetings and committees, and she was chosen to be asuper-user of the new Electronic Practice Management system, where she will be instrumental in training othersat her Health Center.

Clinical Support Person of the Year

Ann BarnettWestern Maine Family Health ClinicManager of the Year

Lois BouchardLovejoy Health Center

continued on page 4


Gary Chaloult, FNP

Medical Center.

Chaloult is a 1994 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono where he earned a Master’s degree in Nursing fromthe Family Nurse Practitioner Program. He had previously earned a Master’s in Public Health in 1990. Chaloult completed his

WELCOME OUR NEW HEALTHREACH PROVIDER

Jack McKee of Kingfield, wasselected as our 2006 Volunteer of the Year. Jack always has the best interest of his community in mind. He is self-less, caring and respectful of others. Jack’s nominators noted that he does everything to the best of his ability, with unquestionable professionalism,a man of character, intelligence and love of community.

Jack was instrumental in obtaining the present and past buildings for the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center, at which he currently serves as community board President. He has been a leader on the local school andplanning boards, a former trustee of the Water District in Kingfield where he is working hard to promote new industry, as well as serving as a lay leader at the Kingfield United Methodist Church.

Jack is committed to the ideals and principlesthat we champion at HealthReach Community HealthCenters and we were proud to recognize him this year.

Kurtis J. Barnett is the 2006 HRCHC Scholarship winner. The $500 scholarship was supported by agenerous contribution made by our Past President, Stephen Walsh. Scholarship applicants were asked to submit essays regarding their commitment to theircommunity. The winner was selected by the HRCHCEmployee Rewards & Recognition Committee.

Kurtis is a Fire Science Major at Southern Maine Community College. In his essay, Kurtis described his commitment to the AmeriCorps program (300 hours/1st year; 400 hours / 2nd year). As an AmeriCorpsmember, Kurtis mapped and plotted fire hydrants and landing zones for the Towns of Livermore Falls and Jay,converting the information into a state-of-the-art GIS system to help the towns in their fire response planning.

For the past three years, Kurtis has volunteered with the Livermore Falls Fire Department. He receives the most enjoyment from teaching young students about fire prevention when they visit the fire station.

The Madison Area Health Center is pleased to welcome Gary Chaloult, a Family Nurse Practitioner, as a new full time provider. Chaloult is a familiar face to many

of the patients at the Madison Area Health Center as he has worked on a per diembasis with HealthReach Community Health Centers since 1999.

Gary Chaloult, FNP, joins Madison Area Health Center

“I’ve worked on a per diem capacity for HealthReach for quite a while. I’m looking forward tothis new opportunity to see patientsfull-time at the Madison AreaHealth Center,” said Chaloult. He describes his approach to medicineas one in which he encourages patients to manage health issues before they become chronic illnesses. A Certified DiabetesEducator, Chaloult has extensive experience in diabetes education

having instructed many classes through his work at MaineGeneral

Gary Chaloult, FNP, examines a patient.

2006 Employee and Volunteer Recognition Awards2006 Employee and Volunteer Recognition Awards continued from page 3

Chaloult, continued page 5t

Scholarship Recipient

Kurtis J. BarnettJSon of Ann Barnett, RN

Volunteer of the Year

Jack McKeeJKingfield, ME


COMMUNITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

undergraduate studies in 1984 at the University of New Englandwhere he earned a Bachelor’sof Science degree in Nursing.Chaloult is Board Certified withthe American Nurses Credentialing

“One of the most rewardingaspects of giving is learning more about your local community,” states Polly Beattie, current president of Belgrade Regional Health Center’sCommunity Board. Beattie’sfamily instilled in her the value of connecting to the local community in order to strengthen both

individuals and the community as a whole. “My father was always involved on boards and made what he calledhis “parish calls” to connect with community members. He felt that engaging with the neighbors was vitally important.”

Today, as a resident of Belgrade, Maine and an owner of a successful business, Beattie puts this value into practice. The Belgrade Regional Health Center Board, a non-profit organization provides support forthe Health Center. Together with other committed citizens who bring a wide variety of expertise and talents, Beattie supports HealthReach Community HealthCenters in providing medical services at BelgradeRegional Health Center. As she reflects on her role on the Board, Beattie shares, “I wanted to know thecommunity better and this was one way I could dothat. It has been wonderful.”

When Beattie joined the Board, she knew very little about community health centers. “I wanted todo something for the community. I knew nothingabout health, but I was asked (to join the board).”She shares that her understanding of the impact community health centers have on people and the community has been a learning process. “I didn’t realize whose lives the Health Center affects. I amproud that we support people who might not obtainhealth care elsewhere.”

Beattie now understands that ensuring all peoplehave access to quality medical care is essential forcreating a healthy and productive community. Regular visits with a primary care provider are important because they provide critical preventive and early detection services such as immunizations, check-ups and screenings. Access to care is also necessary to treat acute illnesses and injuries, keeping challenging situationsfrom escalating. Unfortunately, many people in Maine have limited access to affordable healthcare. Peopleexperience many barriers to accessing care. This is especially true for low-income and rural populations.

As an active member of the Belgrade community, Beattie knows well the strengths and aspirations of her neighbors. “It is important to be part of the people and know what they want,” Beattie says. Making sure that all residents of the Belgrade region can access high quality, culturally competent medical care and services is critical.

Established in 1977, the Belgrade RegionalHealth Center was originally housed in a two-roomschoolhouse. When the demand for health care servicesoutgrew the facility, the Board launched a capital campaign to fund a new building with more exam rooms

and a larger waiting room. A secondary result of this campaignwas that it providedan opportunity for the community to work together on a project that would serve allneighbors.

Donations came inthe form of time and

Center.In addition to his expertise in

diabetes education, Chaloult has a particular interest in providingimmunization information for folks who travel abroad. “The type of vaccinations you should plan for often depends on your foreign destination,” according to Chaloult.

“Popular vaccinations include those for typhoid and yellow fever;however, different regions of the world pose different risks.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Gary Chaloult, please call the MadisonArea Health Center at (207) 696-3992.

Chaloult,continued from page 4

Difference, continued page 7

Polly Beattie making a difference in Belgrade

The Belgrade Regional Health Center opened in this new facility in January, 2006.

Polly Beattie


Editor’s note: This feature of our newsletter “spotlights” patients, employees, volunteers and other community members from our service areas. We hope that you enjoy hearing about featured individuals and at the same time gain a better understanding of our organization.

HEALTHREACH SPOTLIGHT – CHERRY BAKER, FNP

Spotlight, continued page 7

Those who travel frequently around the Great State of Maine can appreciate the vastness Those who travel freqof our environment. Maine is a rural state, and consequently access to quality health care can be onment. Maine is a rural state,challenging. Fortunately, HealthReach Community Health Centers has eleven widely dispersed sitesunately, HealthReach Community g

across central and western Maine providing high quality and affordable health care to many of al and western Maine providing high quaour rural communiunities.

How widely dispersed are we at HealthReach? For example, 105 miles separate thepersed are we at HealthReach? For example, 105 mLovejoy Health Center in Aln Albion from the Bethel Family Health Center.

Fortunate for us at HealthRlthReach, Cherry Baker, a Family Nurse Practitioner, appreciaeciates the vastness and beauty of the State of Maine as well. ell. Since 2004,Cherry has worked as a Float Provider for HeHealthReach Community Health Centers. Cherry has had the the

distinction of working at each of our Health Centers excludingdingthe Sheepscot Valley Health Center in Coopers Mills. However, we’re sure that she will fill in there soon enough!

Cherry previously worked for HealthReach as a full-timeprovider at the Rangeley Region Health Center from 1998to 2001. After her marriage in 2001, she moved to southern Maine, however, she found that she missed the rural health careenvironment and rejoined HealthReach as a Float Provider. “I believe in the mission at HealHealthReachto provide health care for those who live in underserved areas,” said Cherry. “And I enjoy the flee flexibility that a float position offers, I find it rewarding in many ways.”

Currently, Cherry spends every Monday at the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center located in Kingfield. On most Tuesdays, you can find her in Bingham. In the past year, she has covered extended leaves of absences at Richmond and in Rangeley. “I often fill-in for extended periods of time,” saidCherry. “In those circumstances, I have the opportunity to have follow-up visits with many of the primary care patients I serve.”

“When I visit a site, I see mostly acute care patients and conduct adult wellness exams and child wellness check-ups. I especially enjoy the opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle for our patients aswell which includes information on exercise and good nutrition,” added Cherry. “There are always a good variety of issues no matter where I go.” She also acknowledges the challenges to working at multiple sites. “I have learned to be very flexible because the Health Centers are all just a little bit different. You learn to ask a lot of questions.”

During her travels Cherry discovered that the health care needs for the people of Maine are incredibly similar across the State. “The health concerns we confront on a daily basis do not changefrom one region to the next,” said Cherry. However, she has found that each community she serves hasa slightly different character than the next, as well as individual traditions and celebrations.

“One of the things I enjoy most about the float position is the opportunity to get out and learn something about each community,” said Cherry. “I enjoy outdoor activities and look forward to discovering new walking trails or new shopping opportunities at local establishments.” She is an avid

I believe in the mission at HealthReach to providehealth care for those who livein underserved areas...and Ieenjoy the flexibility that a float positiosition offers.

”

“

~ Cherry Baker, FNP,HRHRCHC Float Provider

HealthReach Mission, Float Flexibility Satisfying


COMMUNITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

hiker and skier and enjoys gardening and reading. Thispast summer she had the opportunity to participate in awomen’s golf clinic in Bethel where she developed many new friendships. “It was really fun to meet such a crosssection of folks……I loved it.”

Cherry graduated from Simmons College in 1996 with a Master’s degree in Nursing and is Board Certifiedwith the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Sheserves on the Executive Boardand as Secretary of the MaineNurse Practitioners Association. She notes that Maine has thebest provider atmosphere inthe United States for nursepractitioners. “The State of Maine was one of the first states to look at broadeningthe independent role of nursepractitioners. Our ability tohave an independent status as providers is a real benefit forthose rural areas where there isa lack of physician coverage,” she noted.

“Part of our ongoing agenda at the Maine NursePractitioners Association is to support and expand our independent status as providers. We are closely

monitoring the Medicare debate as it relates to primary health care for those most in need as well,” she adds.

The Association is also working with pharmacies, medical vendors and other health care related organizations to incorporate provider neutral language in forms and documents. For example under thesignature line for many medical forms you will findPhysician, however, in today’s changing medical environment, Provider would be a more accurate description. “Basically, it’s about heightening people’s

awareness,” adds Cherry. “We have to continue to educate folksabout what we do, who we are,and how we fit into the health care system.”

As far as what the future holds, Cherry is lookingforward to continuing to do what she enjoys each day. “The opportunity to make friendsacross the organization has beena real gift. Folks at the HealthCenters are always happy to seeme,” she notes. “In the next

four or five years my husband and I would like theopportunity to move closer to the mountains of western Maine. However, for now I enjoy the flexibility andvariety that my float position offers.”

money and were not limited to the wealthy. It was a way for everyone to connect with the community. “We got a lot of help from the community with support, time,and discounts. The health center staff made a quilt and donated the proceeds to the building fund. Thewhole community was very excited,” Beattie shared. To recognize the tremendous contributions made by all of these various individuals and companies, the Boardcreated a plaque in the waiting room of the new HealthCenter listing everyone’s name. “We felt it critical torecognize each person’s contribution no matter how large or small.”

Polly Beattie is passionate about connecting withand improving the community, which was the home of her mother and held a special place in the heart of her

father. She has been able to bring people together ininspirational ways to improve the lives of individuals, families and her community. For Beattie, being on a local Boardis a way toperpetuate the values she learned from her father.“Being on the board is aspecial way to connect with the community and my Dad.”

Since moving into their new modern facility in January 2006, demand for services at the Health Centerhas grown even more than anticipated as people of allages seek out medical services that are close to home in apleasant setting.

Spotlight,continued from page 6

Difference, continued from page 5

Cherry Baker, FNP, listens to the heartbeat of a young patientduring a wellness checkup.

Being on the board is a special way to connect with the community and my Dad.

”

“~ Polly Beattie, BelgradeRegional Health Center

Community Board President


FROM THE CLINICAL SIDE

HealthReach Community Health Centers is actively involved in the state’s planning process as well. HRCHCis one of over 1,000 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) serving 16 million people through 5,000 sites located in the 50 states. As an FQHC, HealthReach is a member of the National Public Health System and theMaine Public Health System.

You might ask, “What is the difference between the Seasonal Flu and a Pandemic Flu? And, what are thechances that a Pandemic Flu will occur?” The Seasonal Flu is the flu that goes around every year. It’s the flu that you’re generally used to getting.However, a Pandemic Flu occurs when an entirely new flu virus that our bodies have not comeacross before spreads rapidly around the world. What ischaracteristic of a PandemicFlu is the ability of the virus to spread easily from one personto another. A Pandemic Flu hasthe potential to infect an entirecommunity in a matter of days.

In the past 100 years, there have been three wide-spread pandemics: in 1918, 1957 and1968. In recent years, several countries in Asia have

by Christa Dillihunt, RN – Director of Performance Improvement & Clinical Support Services

Christa Dillihunt, RN

Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu

been susceptible to a potential Pandemic Flu situation. Unfortunately, we may be overdue for another pandemic!

It is important to know that the flu shot you get eachyear will not protect you from the new flu virus that may cause a pandemic flu situation. In fact, flu shots (for thenew virus) will not be available during the early stages of a flu pandemic. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community during a pandemic flu situation. These same steps apply for theseasonal flu as well:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm running water. Wash your hands as long as it takes you tosing “Happy Birthday” all the way through twice.

• Stay home from work or school when you or yourchildren are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze andcough. Discard tissues immediately after use.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.• Avoid close contact (within three feet) with people

who are sick. If you come down with the flu, keep thesethings in mind to protect the people you live and work with from getting sick as well.

Be smart about your health! Teach your family andfriends these easy steps NOW and PRACTICE THEM during this year’s Seasonal Flu!!!

Please welcome Patsy Thompson Leavitt, a Family Nurse Practitioner who has joined HealthReach as our newest per diem Float Provider. Patsy is a 1977 graduateof Boston College where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. In 1990, she earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Maineas well as a Post Masters Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from SimmonsCollege. She is Board Certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center.

Patsy is also the 2006 Nancy Sharp Cutting Edge Award Winner from theAmerican College of Nurse Practitioners. She was recognized for her contributions to improve the image and visibility of Nurse Practitioners.

Patsy Thompson Leavitt, MS, FNP – New Per Diem Provider

Be sure to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing!

Some of you may have recently heard or read information in the news about the possibility of a Pandemic Flu situation that might occur in the not so

distant future. Local hospitals and county Emergency Management Servicerepresentatives have been meeting to develop partnerships and processes that would help Maine citizens respond to a Pandemic Flu situation.


INFO FROM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

We invite you to stop by frequently to Learn about services at yourHealth CenterFind out more about your providerRead about our latest news andhealth tip of the monthDiscover job opportunitiesExplore our newsletter archiveConnect with other resourceson our Links page

Any and all feedback is always welcomed:[email protected]

VISIT US ONLINE!

For the last several months, HealthReach Community Health Centers has been actively engagedin developing an Electronic Practice Management (EPM) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. Adopting EPM and EMR will allow our Health Centers to improve thequality of patient care through the latest technology available for health carecompanies.

The first step in this process willbe the implementation of the ElectronicPractice Management system. The new EPM software is a product that willallow us to dramatically improve ourfront office administrative functions for scheduling and billing. Health Centers will be implementing the new EPMsoftware package over the next severalweeks. The two initial sites to go-livewith the new EPM system were Bingham Area HealthCenter and Western Maine Family Health Center onNovember 29th.

December 13th is the go-live date to implement the EPM software for Sheepscot Valley Health Center, Lovejoy Health Center, and Richmond Area Health Center. A go-live date of December 19th is scheduled

for Strong Area Dental and HealthCenter, Belgrade Area Health Center,and Madison Area Health Center. Bethel Family Health Center, Rangeley Region Health Center, and Mt. AbramRegional Health Center will go live on January 2nd, 2007.

The front office staff at each of theHealth Centers will undergo extensivetraining prior to their respective go-livedates. Patients should expect to see the new billing format after the go-live datesat their individual Health Centers. Patients with any questions regarding the new billing format are encouraged

to contact their individual Health Centers. Patients arealso asked to provide their proof of insurance cards aswell as updated patient information forms.

Health Centers implement New Electronic Practice Management System

HRCHC staff training for the new Electronic Practice Management (EPM)system scheduled to go-live in lateNovember, early December.

Visit Us Online! www.HealthReachCHC.org • Newly redesigned website offers increased usability, functionality


HEALTH TIP

For most of us, Christmas shopping and planning begin in November and sometimes are put off until Christmas Eve. We all want to find the perfect gift for everyone and make sure that the family get-together will be a success. But along with the fun and excitement of the Christmas season comes the stress of spending a lot of money on gifts, preparing a tasty meal, and of course, the family drama. Although each of us may look forward to this holiday season all year long, we

can’t help but feel stressed out with everything that accompanies the decorations and cookies.Stress plays a crucial role in our health. It is important to keep stress under control because it may lead to health

complications. Stress has been found to contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as smoking and overeating. Thetips below will aid in dealing with the up-and-coming holiday stress as well as the stress weface daily.

What is Stress?Stress is our natural reaction to things

that bother us in our life. It is a normal part of life and what causes it or how it is handledmay differ from person to person. Some of us may feel stress at work or when driving inheavy traffic. Others may feel stress when needing to remember to take medications or to arrange a ride to the grocery store. The following are some signs of stress listed above right:

How Stress Affects Our Health:As of yet, stress has not been directly tied to heart disease, but it has

been linked to other cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Consistent stress may also expose the body to higher levels of the stress hormones - cortisol and adrenaline. These have been tied to changes in the way that blood clots and ultimately may increase the risk of a heart attack.

How to Cope with Stress:Although people handle stress differently, there are a few common things

everyone can do to assist in lightening the load. Following the coping tips listed tothe left may help lower stress levels:

Stress cannot be completely removed from our lives; it is simply a part of life.However, during the stressful holiday season, we can focus on the fun and beauty of Christmas rather than the stress it may cause. Take a drive and view the colorfullights, relax with some hot cocoa, or make a snowman. Whatever the strategy to relax, we should do the best we can, and remember most of all to enjoy ourselves!

Resources:1. WebMD- Heart Disease: Stress and Heart Diseasehttp://www.webmd.com/content/pages/9/1675_578582. Stress Cure- Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: Is there a Relationship?http://www.stresscure.com/health/stresscv.html

In recognition of the Christmas season, Kathryn Wistar , M.D. at Sheepscot Valley Health Center discusses:

Hectic Holidays

Dr. Kathryn Wistar

Signs of Stress:DizzinessGrinding teethDifficulty sleepingRacing heartWeight loss/gainUpset stomachConstant worry

Loss of sense of humorAngerCryingDepressionCompulsive eatingExplosive actionsIncreased drug or alcohol use

Coping Tips:Eat and drink sensiblyBelieve in yourselfExercise regularlyDo something relaxing every dayReduce obvious daily stressorsAvoid tobaccoproducts Set realistic goalsGet plenty of sleepParticipate in uplifting activitiesAvoid using alcohol and other drugs to treat anxiety


STAFF NEWS

EXTRA!

Health Center Highlights is a bi-monthly publication of HealthReach Community Health Centers. Please send article ideas/submissions, comments, or suggestions to

Communications Department, 8 Highwood St., PO Box 1568, Waterville, Maine 04903, via fax to (207) 861-5519, or e-mail:

[email protected]

WELCOME Oct. – Dec. 2006

FAREWELL Oct. – Dec. 2006

MILESTONES Oct. – Dec. 2006

Thank you to those at HealthReach CHC who provided their time and talents for our 2nd Annual Employee and Volunteer Recognition Dinner

• Past President Steve Walsh for hisleadership in establishing this event for the first time in 2005

• Rewards and Recognition Committee Members: Sarah Seder, Kylee Rankins,Carolyn Tranten, Kate Quimby, Cheryl Viles, Lisa Field, Danielle Seigars and John McGough

• Central Office Staff Members: Jody Dickey, Cory Courtois, Kathy Calder,and Norma Wing

Karen Boucher, Patient Srv. Rep 1 – BelgradeTonda Blossom, Patient Srv. Rep 1 – BethelPatricia Leavitt, FNP – CentralLisa Pivin, Patient Srv. Rep 1 – Bethel

Earnest Aguilar, Patient Srv. Rep 1 – BethelVanessa Bishop, Patient Srv. Rep 1 – MadisonJeanne Boelsma, Patient Srv. Rep 2 – BethelLynn Cote, FNP – LovejoyAndrea Derusha, Dental Asst. – StrongPatricia Irish, Patient Acct. Rep – CentralLouise Strickland, Hygienist – Strong

5 Years of ServiceLine Gay – Belgrade

Shari Newcomb – Western MaineAnn Patten – Bethel

Suzanne Rutter – Western MaineGail Saucier – Madison

Libby St. Pierre – Central

20 Years of ServiceJeannine Thornton – Bethel

30 Years of ServiceLinda Rosenberg – Bingham

The Community Board for theSheepscot Valley Health Center hosted an open house on Nov. 9th to welcome new provider Kathryn Wistar, MD, to the local community. Dr. Wistar joined five other providers at the HealthCenter on Sept. 20.

Light refreshments were served and informational materials on area services for senior citizens were

provided. Patients had the opportunity to bring samples of theirmedications as providers were on hand to answer questions.

Dr. Wistar completed her Family Practice Residency at the Maine Dartmouth Family Practice, and recently completed a geriatricfellowship. She attended medical school at the University of NorthCarolina School of Medicine, receiving her medical degree in 2002.She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art in Women’s Studies from SanFrancisco State University in 1993.

Sheepscot Valley Health Center hosts open house for Dr. Wistar

The Richmond Area Health Center’s Community Board hosted anopen house to welcome new provider Catherine A. Lockwood, MD, to thecommunity on Nov. 8th. Dr. Lockwood joined three other providers at Richmond on July 17th.

Dr. Lockwood graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Rensselaer PolytechnicInstitute in Troy, New York in 1995. Shewent on to medical school at the University of Connecticut, receiving her medical degree in 2000. She completed her Family PracticeResidency here in Maine at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor in 2003.

Dr. Wistar speaks with Sheepscotcommunity Board President AndyMorse.

Richmond welcomes Dr. Lockwood

Dr. Lockwood poses with HRCHC Board member & Richmond community Boardmember Tom Abbott

Bangor

WatervilleAugusta

Maine

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a system of eleven federally qualified, community-based health centers located in central and western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver high quality, affordable healthcare to 36,000 rural and underserved residents in over 80 communities. HealthReach is a private, non-profit organization with a 30-year history, funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations.

Lewiston

Portland

SkowheganFarmington

a message from the president – connie coggins in … · 2015. 4. 13. · volunteers are our...

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